Plant Health (PPQ)

APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program safeguards U.S. agriculture and natural resources against the entry, establishment, and spread of economically and environmentally significant pests, and facilitates the safe trade of agricultural products.

Program Priorities

Protecting Agriculture and the Environment from Invasive Plant Pests and Diseases: An invasive pest is a non-native species whose introduction into the country can cause damage to the economy, natural resources, or human health.

Establishing Effective Regulations and Policies: By determining which plants and plant products can be imported—and which pose a high risk and should be excluded—the regulations and policies established by APHIS protect the environment and U.S. agriculture.

Safeguarding Through Science: APHIS scientists monitor data from around the world and throughout the country to uncover pathways and develop strategies to both exclude pests before they arrive at our shores and to stop or limit their movement if they enter the country.

Assisting U.S. Farmers and Exporters: APHIS assists American farmers and exporters by providing plant health inspection and certification for plants and plant products being shipped to foreign countries. Required by importing countries, these plant health certificates ensure that products are pest and disease free.